Here is a summary of what I have been learning in my classes. There are some high points in bold, but if you want you can read all my thoughts (i am warning you that it's long!) ...
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The book is by John V. Taylor (have you heard of him), Primal Vision. It talks about African Christianity, so lots of my faith has been challenged because it differs so much from Western Christianity. Questions like: Is there a Christian faith without culture?
If cultures are created by God, do we need to redefine them to fit the Western view of Christianity? Basically, does God shape culture or is Christianity shaped by culture? And the repercussions of these questions, and a lot of the book, bring up issues of salvation (is it necessary to know the name of Jesus; personal/ tribe or family decision), sin (is the OT and Ten Commandments relevant to all cultures or does it manifest differently according to culture; what about polygamy?), prayer (Africans speak/pray to ancestors because it continues community of tribe and because they are closer to God). Overall it was a really eye-opening book that I really enjoyed grappling with.
But to bring in Abide in Christ… Jesus transcended, meaning that He became like man/ suffered/ PARTICIPATED with people. In Africa the Descartes theory, “I think therefore I am” translates to “I participate therefore I am” (Taylor, 27) or “I am because we are.” Therefore belief is an action not just a thought. Faith is acted out, not simply a confession. I have wanted to intellectually wrap my mind around Jesus and Faith, but by this I felt assurance that my actions speak louder than my words (or thoughts). This links with abiding in Christ, because the life of faith is not a one-time decision, but PARTICIPATION with Christ, acted out in relationships with others, for all of life. Dietrich Bonhoeffer says, “Jesus exists only for other people… Our relationship to God is not a ‘religious’ one to the highest- that is not transcendence- but our relationship to God is a new life in ‘existence for others’, in participation in the being of Jesus” (Taylor, 58). I have been thinking a lot about relationship versus religion this semester, and realized one day that when I get to heaven I will not be in a “religion” with God, but a RELATIONSHIP with Him through the blood of Christ. His redemption has made it possible for me to be in a relationship.
“I am in Christ: This simple thought, carefully, prayerfully, believingly uttered, removes the fear that there is yet some great attainment to be reached” (Murray, 38).
“I am the Vine… He really will be to you ALL that a vine can be- holding you fast, nourishing you, and making Himself responsible every moment for your growth and your fruit” (Murray, 37).
“Our part is simply to yield, to trust, and to wait for what He has promised to perform” (Murray, 25).
Taylor devotes an entire chapter to PRESENCE. He says, “A Christian, whoever he may be, who stands in that world in the name of Christ, has nothing to offer unless he offers to be present, really and totally present, really and totally IN the present” (Taylor, 136). I have seen the outflow of this belief in the African culture. For example, a visitor is never an interruption to anyone. “Whether he is a child or adult makes no difference; one can enjoy the other’s presence without fuss or pressure, in conversation or in silence as the mood dictates” (Taylor, 3). Relationship over efficiency, again!! God is always present for all of His creation, and He showed this through Jesus’ Incarnation. Therefore we should follow His example of presence, in “MISSIONS” and our daily life.
Christ comes INTERNALLY into culture, not EXTERNALLY. He meets people and cultures where they are at. “Either He is the Lord of all possible worlds and of all human cultures, or He is Lord of one world and one culture only… From within their own culture He challenged their strength and judged their wisdom. He turned their world upside down, just as He had turned Judaism [diet and Council of Jerusalem] upside down” (Taylor, 74). So, Jesus transcends and participates with each culture individually. He uses Acts 2:7-11 about the Pentecost, “How is it that each of us can hear them in his own native language?” He also quotes Paul in his letter to the Corinthians about how he became a Jew to win the Jews (1 Corinthians 10:19-22). Not universalism- the name of Jesus is important and belief in His death and resurrection is still significant. God meets culture. (Yes, but how far, what about sin and lifestyle… hmmm for me still!!)
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I love you all and let me know what you think of all this. I would LOVE a good discussion. Feel free to point out truths and untruths that you see… :)
ps. i know its really long, but i didn't know how else to post it as a link, i apologize.
